The presence of grizzly bears and other "watchable wildlife" draws people to natural areas, who spend time and money in nearby communities, benefiting local residents.

According to a recent report by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Americans spent $120 billion on wildlife related recreation in 2006, an amount "roughly equal to Americans' total spending at all spectator sports, casinos, motion pictures, golf courses and country clubs, amusement parks and arcades combined." Wildlife watching constituted the largest share of that spending.